NPR News Now – June 5, 2025
Updated at 3 AM EDT
US Immigration: Migrants Deported to El Salvador Face Legal Hurdles
Timestamp: [00:14]
A pivotal development in U.S. immigration law unfolded as a federal judge issued a stern directive to the Trump administration. US District Court Judge James Boasberg has granted the administration one week to devise a method for over 100 migrants deported to El Salvador to contest their removals. This decision challenges the application of an 18th-century law under which these deportations were executed.
Timestamp: [00:37]
Judge Boasberg emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “there's significant evidence that many of the migrants are not members of a Venezuela gang as alleged and quote, thus languish in a foreign prison on flimsy, even frivolous accusations.” He underscored that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld migrants' rights to challenge their deportation, thereby mandating the government to rectify the injustices faced by these individuals. The Trump administration, previously critical of Boasberg's rulings, has yet to comment on this latest decision.
US-Russia Relations Amidst Ukraine Conflict
Timestamp: [01:16]
In international diplomacy, President Donald Trump engaged in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House announced that both leaders discussed Russia’s strong stance in response to Ukraine's recent drone attacks on Russian airfields, which reportedly compromised a significant portion of Russia's long-range airborne nuclear fleet.
Trump characterized the dialogue as “a good conversation,” while clarifying that it did not pave the way for a peace treaty. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group via video call, advocating for enhanced air defense systems and increased weaponry to pressure Moscow into meaningful peace negotiations.
Timestamp: [01:55]
A Ukrainian official highlighted the nation's strategy: “We have no doubt that we can push Russia toward peace, but for that we must continue to pressure Moscow with all available tools and step by step make its aggression meaningless.” This statement underscores Ukraine's commitment to leveraging all possible measures to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.
International Critique of Israeli Leadership
Timestamp: [02:07]
In a striking editorial for the French newspaper Le Monde, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert leveled severe accusations against current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Olmert condemned Netanyahu's military actions as a "criminal personal war," responsible for precipitating a "humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza." He further criticized Netanyahu for portraying himself as a victim when facing accusations of anti-Semitism from European nations critical of his government's policies.
Olmert asserted, “the EU is threatening to revise an association deal with Israel,” warning of “many disastrous economic and diplomatic consequences for Israel” unless the nation ceases its military actions and seeks reconciliation within the international community. He praised French President Emmanuel Macron, stating, “he is no anti-Semite,” emphasizing the stark contrast between Macron's leadership and Netanyahu's approach.
Public Health Initiative: Wastewater Testing for Measles
Timestamp: [03:08]
In a proactive public health measure, a nationwide surveillance program is now testing wastewater for traces of measles across 40 U.S. states. Maria Godoy of NPR reports that this initiative aims to empower health officials to identify potential outbreaks before they escalate.
Timestamp: [03:30]
Marlene Wolf, co-director of the WasteWaterScan program at Emory University, explained, “The testing is being conducted by WasteWaterScan, a program that provides a real-time look at circulating pathogens based on testing wastewater samples from around the United States.” The program, which already monitors viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, has integrated measles detection in response to a notable rise in cases this year.
Timestamp: [03:54]
Wolf further added, “If we detect it with an increasing frequency so more and more of the samples in a row are positive, that would be something that we would look at as a potential sign of an outbreak.” The WasteWaterScan measles data will be publicly accessible starting this week, offering transparency and timely information to the public.
Legislative Changes: Tax Cuts and Healthcare Implications
Timestamp: [04:10]
President Trump is vigorously advocating for a new bill anticipated to deliver trillions in tax cuts and significant reductions in government spending. However, according to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation could result in a $2.4 trillion increase in the national deficit. Additionally, the bill poses the risk of leaving approximately 10.9 million Americans without healthcare coverage.
The proposed tax reforms and spending cuts are part of Trump's broader economic strategy, though they come with substantial fiscal and social implications that have sparked debate among policymakers and the public alike.
Environmental Concern: Fuel Spill in Baltimore
Timestamp: [04:10]
An environmental incident occurred in Baltimore's Inner Harbor as the U.S. Coast Guard, alongside other emergency response teams, addressed a fuel spill on Wednesday. Johns Hopkins University reported that the spill involved around 100 gallons of water contaminated by dye-laced fuel used for generators. The spill was attributed to accidental discharge by a vendor during a routine delivery, resulting in the discoloration of the nearby water with red dye from the fuel.
Efforts to mitigate the spill are ongoing, with authorities monitoring the impact on local ecosystems and water quality.
Note: Advertisements and promotional content were excluded to maintain focus on the newsworthy segments.